Rankin’s $1 million gift the largest in NC history

Niagara College announced what is now the largest gift in its history today. Tom Rankin, CEO of Rankin Construction, Inc. and Rankin Renewable Power, Inc. is donating a $1-million leadership gift to Niagara College’s Building Futures Campaign.

In recognition of Mr. Rankin’s generosity and leadership, the Niagara College’s Technology Building has been renamed “The Rankin Technology Centre.”

“Through its Master Plan, Niagara College has transformed itself, and greatly enhanced its ability to support industry and innovation in Niagara, and created a sense of renewal in our community,” said Rankin. “We’re very pleased to play a leadership role in supporting this transformation.”

“We’re very grateful to Tom Rankin and his family for this generous gift,” said Steve Hudson, Acting President, Niagara College. “Tom Rankin is a true leader in our community whose business achievements and contributions to life in Niagara are tremendous. The gift that we’ve received today greatly enhances our ability to provide state-of-the-art learning environments that support our integrated approach to applied learning.”

The Building Futures campaign supports NC’s $90-million master plan which includes $88 million in new and expanded facilities and $2 million for scholarships, bursaries and applied research. The facilities portion of the project includes a significant expansion to The Rankin Technology Centre. The 120,000 square-foot complex, comprised of both new and renovated space, is home to the college’s Technology programs – from engineering to skilled trades. It features classrooms and labs with the latest state-of-the-art equipment, including a welding lab, drafting room, materials lab, and a 10,000-square-foot ‘big bay’ where two-storey homes can be constructed. Environmental features are present throughout with solar panels shading windows, its own geothermal heating and cooling system, and a wind turbine in the courtyard – all providing a ‘living laboratory’ for students.

On the Welland campus, the project also includes the construction of the new Athletic Centre and Applied Health Institute, and the Library and Learning Commons expansion; while, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it led to the new Wine + Visitor Education Centre and Teaching Brewery, as well as a Culinary Skills expansion. The project creates more than 1,700 new spaces in programs where labour is in high demand in Niagara – including skilled trades and technology.

“Our ability to pursue such ambitious and exciting projects depends very much on the support of different levels of government, and our business, industry and community partners,” said Len Crispino, Chair of the Niagara College Board of Governors. “We at Niagara College very fortunate for the generous support of a business and community leader like Tom Rankin.”